WHITE AND BLACK PIPED CUSHIONS | BLACK AND WHITE STRIPE CUSHIONS
Thank you for all of your kind words about the house refresh! We really couldn’t be more happy with what a little paint and fixture changing can do. I think I’ve saved the best transformation for last though with the back of the house. The paint made a huge difference in cleaning up the mixture of windows and our new decks from Lowe’s take the dated and tired space to a look that’s classic and timeless! You can see the beginning of the process here.
It’s so wonderful to have a space we love to spend time in and are proud to invite others over to relax and have fun. One of the best decisions was to make the two lower decks one big deck. This not only looks better, but we actually use the space in between now. The middle area is perfect for sunning and pool-watching. You can read about it here. The lower deck measures 54’x10′, and we really use all of it now.
My dad made the covers for our back air conditioner and utilities from lattice and treated lumber he picked up at Lowe’s last year. Painting them the same color as the house, Sherwin-Williams Moderne White, makes them feel like a part of it instead of an addition.
The covered and upper decks are certainly the stars of the show. The Trex decking and white fascia are a beautiful, classic look, but the columns and Chippendale railing take the house from suburban to stately. The columns and caps can be ordered at your local Lowe’s and shipped directly to your house. They add so much interest for only a few hundred dollars.
Because the back faces west, the sun is really intense in the evening. No one ever sits up here after about 2pm. I was determined to change that, and make this an area people were drawn to. First we put in Trex’s RainEscape to keep it dry. It’s a very simple system of trough paper that you staple and tape together between the joists ending with their downspouts. You run the downspouts into a gutter to keep your lower deck free of water. It takes time, but is rather budget-friendly for the outcome you get!
To really create a room you need a few things. A pretty ceiling helps, and we used vinyl soffit. It’s really affordable, maintenance free, and easy to install. The fan was a must for creating a nice breeze in the heat of the summer. The outdoor curtains from Frontgate not only bring softness and drama, but it’s amazing how much cooler they make the space.
The upper deck doesn’t have any furniture on it yet we never use it, ha but who needs it with that Chippendale detail?? I’m really proud of Micah’s work on the railing. He definitely would have preferred to put up a composite railing in the beginning, but I think in the long run he appreciates the outcome too and dare I say, even had fun figuring it out! We purchased cedar 2×4’s in stock at Lowe’s and Micah ripped them in half to create the design and used this as a guide.
OUTDOOR LIGHT | RETRACTABLE SCREEN
I hope I covered everything, but let me know any questions you have in the comments. It’s hard to believe that the vision I had when we first looked at this house 4 years ago has come to fruition. Most of the time it’s all too easy for me to move onto the next project and not really ponder the work done and the things accomplished. We’ve got bathrooms to tackle, but I’m trying to savor this space. So for now we’ll be squeezing in every bit of summer we can out here. It may be the first year I’m not totally ready for crisp air and falling leaves quite yet.
*Thank you to our amazing partners; Lowe’s, Frontgate, and Emtek, for trusting our vision and providing product to be a part of this makeover. All selections, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
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You really did an amazing job! And in the heat wave we’ve been having for about forever it seems, it looks oh so inviting. Looking forward to your bathrooms too ;o)
Looks so good!! Would love to see a pic with the curtains closed.
This is amazing!! I love everything you do!! You are very inspiring!
Oh my word, this is gorgeous. I love it.
Gwen, the before and after is breathtaking!!! The chippendale rail, the curtains, the color cohesion, feels like a beautiful resort. You and Micah are such a good team!
Wow! That looks amazing!! I love seeing the progress. I had Lowe’s contractors put a Trex porch with railing and columns on the front of my house a year and a half ago. It totally transformed the front of my house. They are in the process of remodeling our kitchen and then replacing the siding this fall. All my money goes to Lowe’s!
I have been looking forward to this reveal. It does not disappoint. What a great job you did. Looks beautiful!
Looks like a really posh, beautiful resort. Love the new decks, paint, furniture..everything!
This is so beautiful! I love the Chippendale railing. Would you mind sharing where the curtain rods used for the lower deck are from? Thank you!
I can’t get over this. It’s SOOOOO good!! I know how much work you put into this. It was all worth it! STUNNING!!!
xo Michael
Wow, just Wow!
Wow, this is such a dream backyard space! It has the feel of an upscale resort, but it’s in the privacy of your own backyard… #backyardgoals for sure! Love every single detail. And Micah crushed the Chippendale railing. Gorgeous!
Amazing transformation… you inspire me so!!
Beautiful! It is so elegant and I love the curtains!
love it! love everything about it! so elegant and casual.
Gwen,
Your vision and creative ability combined with Micah’s construction talents transform everything you touch! Your backyard is stunning!! Time to relax and enjoy it now! 🙂
It’s really beautiful!
Go, Mikah! Not that your vision isn’t great–because it is–but his execution is flawless! You two… what a team! Job well done and that hashtag, #themakeristausthedevil, has me laughing still. Enjoy, you guys!
Absolutely Stunning!!!
Classicly beautiful! Chippendale is a railing that I love as well, it was once the rail on our wrap around porch. I love to see your vision come to fruition as well.
A beautiful transformation! I’d love to know your process in analyzing what is currently there and imagining the change. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to know where to start and then finding someone to do a quality job. You succeed each and every time! Thank you.
Gwen
your vision was realized.
it’s beyond gorgeous… for goodness sake you have a magazine spread in your backyard. Go You! Go Micah!
What a gorgeous makeover!! It’s incredible!!
Absolutely fabulous – it must be such a lovely area to use now!
WOW! What an amazing transformation. Great job!! It is so inviting and looks like a very exclusive resort. Are you taking reservations?
Question: The covers your Dad made for the A/C….Do they slip over the unit or how are they attached? Are there 4 sides? Top? Etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Your vision is always brilliant. What a difference!